World-renowned Cork racehorse trainer Vincent O'Brien has died, aged 92.
Born on Good Friday, 1917 in Churchtown, Co Cork, he had his first winner at the age of 26 with Oversway at Limerick Junction in May, 1943. His final winner was Mysterious Ways at the Curragh in September, 1994.
Mr O'Brien went on to become a three-time winner of France's Prix de l'Arc de Triomph, four-time winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and three-time winner of the Aintree Grand National.
He established the hugely successful breeding operation the Coolmore stud in the 1970s, with Robert Sangster and John Magnier.
His contribution to racing was recognised in 2001 when he was voted the greatest influence in racing history in a worldwide poll hosted by the Racing Post.
In 1951, O'Brien married Jacqueline Wittenoom, from Perth, Australia and the couple had five children.
Name :Michael Vincent O'Brien.
Born: Good Friday, April 9th, 1917 in Churchtown, Co Cork.
First winner :Oversway, Limerick Junction, May 20th, 1943.
Final winner :Mysterious Ways, Curragh, September 17th, 1994.
Total winners in ireland: 1,529.
Champion trainer in Ireland :1959, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1989.
Champion NH trainer in Britain :1952-53 & 1953-54.
Champion flat trainer in Britain :1966 & 1977.
Irish Classics :2,000 Guineas ( 5); 1,000 Guineas (3); Derby (6); Oaks (4); St Leger (9).
British Classics :2,000 Guineas (4); 1,000 Guineas (1); Derby (6) Oaks (2); St Leger (3).
Major International Victories :Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (3); French Derby (1); Washington DC I'ntl (1); Breeders' Cup Mile (1); Major NH wins: Aintree Grand National (3); Cheltenham Gold Cup (4); Champion Hurdle (3); Irish Grand National (1); King George VI (1).
Honours :Honorary doctorates from the National University of Ireland and Ulster University.
